Do you feel this is safe?

[alpinerabbit]

I remain with the opinion that neither a gun, knife of pepper spray will protect you. Much rather it will be used against you or cause an accident.

Ride as if you own the road. Anything else, you can't control it.

[Trek420]

Ride as if you own the road. Anything else, you can't control it.

I agree, best to be alert (the world needs more 'lerts ), aware, trust your gut instincts. I don't recommend carrying weapons of any sort nor is it possible to cover every situation that could occur.

I just try to live the best I can in a spirit of non-violence, protecting others (even potential opponents/attackers), diffusing confrontation. It's a difficult goal in a violent world but one worth striving for.

But I gotta go, I'm off to train with this gal, my teacher of these 25 years

[KnottedYet]

I've seen Trek flinging folks around in a protective, respectful, and non-violent manner.

I want her with me on rides!

[Trek420]

I've seen Trek flinging folks around in a protective, respectful, and non-violent manner.

I want her with me on rides!

Thanks dear

And as you can see from the image above, Aikido also helps you cycling, I know how to fall off the bike (in theory) I want Knott to put me back together if I take a high-fall like that

But seriously I have no desire to ever "use it". I've had two such occaisions and both times I was ok, bad guy not hurt but verbatim both said "I'm sorry , I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry ...." one while running the other way.

I have no desire for a 3rd.

Trust your gut. If the situation feels odd...it probably is. Don't be ashamed to stop and just head another direction ...... and get out and ride!

[Harley]

...no, not a buzzard, I wasn't dead yet, it was a golden eagle

On cell phones... in mountainous areas I haven't found a service yet that is consistent. Analog is no longer available in Northern Washington, I had to switch. But it's still a comfort carrying one, I know where I have to crawl to to get service.

Used to carry a pistol on my Harley, never had to use it... but if I lived in a city, like some of you, I may have a change of heart and start packin' again.

[RoadRaven]

Well... just adding my voice to those others saying ride where you want with sense...

I live in the country, my commute to work takes me to the edge of a town - so almost all my training rides and commuting trips are on country roads. I mostly ride on my own also.

My precautions - always carry a cell phone which is always on and ready to use. I always tell someone where I am going and when I expect to get there - and then ring them once I arrive...

[Harley]

I agree with Alpine Rabbit. Weapons give false security.

I live in rural areas. I have ridden, hiked, x-c skied alone for years, never had a problem. The solitude is wonderful, one of the reasons you take up a solo sport.

Use common sense.
Tell someone where you are going and when you'll return.
Carry ID (I have all my contact info on a card in my saddlebag)
Be prepared with tools, water, first aid kit, and knowledge.
Turn around if you feel unsafe, listen to your gut.
I carry a cell phone, but it doesn't work in most areas.

Enjoy the ride!... I did almost hit a deer the other day and a huge golden eagle was circling, sizing me up on a slow uphill slog.

[OakLeaf]

... and choose a cell phone that works in more areas.

That means a phone with analog capability (yes, still - the carriers now have the green light to phase out analog, but many rural areas are served by only one digital protocol or even none). And definitely no PCS phones.

[SouthernBelle]

Enjoy the ride!... I did almost hit a deer the other day and a huge golden eagle was circling, sizing me up on a slow uphill slog.

Are you sure it wasn't a buzzard?

[cyclinnewbie]

Weapons give false security.

:

I'd have to disagree (respectfully, of course ) I was in one situation where my weapon was what got me out and alive. I always have a little something with me now. Not a gun, even though I have my permit and I'm a darned good shot....just something I can use to get me enough time to get away. Having said that, though, I do not depend on my weapon of choice, I depend on my gut and my head, and my darned legs to pedal me the heck away!!! Or run, if need be, but I'm a better peddeler than runner...

[sundial]

Weapons give false security.

With the meth addicts around, I'm not going to take a chance that I'll become victim. Since I can't pack a policeman around, I'll carry my .45.

[crazycanuck]

I'm not sure how to put this a nice way but i'll give it a shot...(no pun intended)

I realize this is an American based board but please realize that even the mention of carrying a gun whilst biking is scaring the sheepies out of me . I know it's your "right" but a gun on a bike? I don't get it.

[lph]

ayh, me too, gives me the heebie-jeebies.... up here in my protected corner of the world. But I can't really imagine riding someplace where people around me might be carrying guns either.

This thread did remind me that it might be an idea to keep my cell phone on me where I can actually get hold of it easily, and not crammed into my impossible-to-open-under-seat-bag. If I wake up crumpled in the bushes with a headache I might not want to move around too much to call for help.

[Tuckervill]

I'm not sure how to put this a nice way but i'll give it a shot...(no pun intended)

I realize this is an American based board but please realize that even the mention of carrying a gun whilst biking is scaring the sheepies out of me . I know it's your "right" but a gun on a bike? I don't get it.

I'm an American and it scares me, too!

But I do get it. What it all boils down to for me--I don't own a gun and never will, and I was an expert marksman in the Army. But, I don't want to live in a society where only the government is allowed to have weapons. I'm just sayin'.

Karen

[sundial]

I realize this is an American based board but please realize that even the mention of carrying a gun whilst biking is scaring the sheepies out of me . I know it's your "right" but a gun on a bike? I don't get it.

CC, I really do understand and empathize with your position on handguns. I remember as a kid jumping on my bike and riding anywhere and staying out until dark thirty and not having to worry about pedophiles, kidnappers, and rapists. It's sad that things have changed so much--for the worse. Around here, women are getting mugged in the Wal-Mart parking lot. A Barnes & Noble had an armed robbery at high noon. Meth addicts are breaking in and stealing whatever they can to pawn for cash. And with the rise in addictions to pornography, crimes against women have increased exponentially. I don't want to be another statistic.